In this update, we take a big, unapologetic bite out of Joburg’s culinary scene — from Indian comfort food that hugs you properly to sure-of-themselves globally inspired small plates. We’re spotlighting fresh neighbourhood arrivals we’re genuinely excited about, making a compelling case for vegan done right (yes, even for skeptics), and returning — loyally — to the bakeries that still understand the quiet power of good bread and flaky pastry. We revisit recent conversations with some of the city’s sharpest food minds and share three team picks that deserve your immediate attention. Let’s eat!
1. Out and about: What's on our plates
COMING IN HOT
LOW LIGHTS AND HIGH SPIRITS
DINNER WITH A SECRET
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
BAGELS ALL THE WAY
2. Follow the flavours: Five new spots to try
– New to Nine Yards, Ti Amo Deli opened a spot brimming with sandwiches, pastas, salads, and hot dishes. Settle into the cosy indoor space or grab a table outside. While there, Gelato Mania has the scoops you need, like the viral Japanese cheesecake flavour (and they're open late). Inside the nursery, Nunu The Artist’s restaurant is a fun spot to grab a bite while you paint; try the Asian omelette.
– Chowz is our go-to when craving a proper curry, but not the kind you make at home. The portions are generous, the flavours authentic. A winning combo? Bunny chow and a strawberry Super M. We love the Fourways branch and have high hopes for the new one at The Zone @ Rosebank.
– Rejoice! Beijing Opera now has a permanent home at 98 Conrad Drive in Blairgowrie. Expect excellent dim sum and an expanded pan-Asian menu. Courtyard seating and takeaways are available.
– At Rosebank Quarter (158 Jan Smuts Avenue) look out for Napz Pizzeria for top-notch Neapolitan-style pizzas. Don't skip Le Vin Wine Bar for a relaxed glass.
– A new café at Cremelat, Hyde Square Shopping Centre, offers superb coffee and standout sandwiches. Our pick: the Emmentaler, artichoke, and roast veg panini. The adjoining deli remains a constant favourite.
Coming soon: Our favourite for killer prawns, 1920 Portuguese restaurant, long loved in Hyde Park, is migrating to Rosebank's Sturdee Avenue.
3. Coupons, cookies, mimosas, and a little Mozart
The Veganuary Coupon Booklet: Joburg Edition by The Fussy Vegan makes plant-based eating more accessible (and more affordable), with deals from withHärt, The Vegan Chef, Vicky’s Veganry, Asian Herbivore, and more. Pick yours up at any of the participating stores.
We're particularly curious to try withHärt in Moove Sunninghill: a small-batch vegan bakery serving Danish pastries and chewy cookies. We hear Saturday spreads are the most decadent. If gym sessions end with flaky croissants, count us in.
SAVE THE DATE
Like music and mimosas? Visit Vicky’s Veganry on Sun, Mar 8 for drinks, treats, and classical tunes. Book here.
4. Pastry pause: Our favourite Joburg bakeries and pâtisseries
In Parktown North, Dough and Co is a petite bakery with neighbourhood charm. We’ve loved everything we’ve tried, but the simple glazed doughnut remains unbeaten – perfectly light and satisfying. Next on our hit list? The mini crookies: indulgent yet playfully bite-sized. (You’ll also find Dough & Co at LXX in Sandton and at Lynnridge Walk in Pretoria.) Want more sweet stuff? Here's the full list of seven Joburg bakeries and pâtisseries that keep us coming back for more.
Your friendly reminder: If you've not yet sampled Linden Loaves, now's a good time to try. Their bread can't be beat. We recently ordered the chocolate and cherry sourdough loaf – delectable.
5. Wins for Joburg's culinary scene
Portuguese-inspired Mira in Sandton played host to the 2026 Luxe Awards on Mon, Feb 23, where influential chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary tastemakers gathered for one of the most prestigious culinary events in South Africa. Here's who won big in Joburg:
Hotel Restaurant of the Year: The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg at The Peech Hotel
Grab and Go Restaurant of the Year: Slaps Sandos in Parkhurst 4th Avenue
Lifestyle Restaurant of the Year: Ocaso in Oxford Parks
Supper Club of the Year: Nine Lives in Hyde Hotel Rosebank
Contemporary Restaurant of the Year: Embarc in Parkhurst
People’s Choice Award: Club Como in Morningside
Restaurant Group of the Year: Olives & Plates
Pioneer Award: Marble Hospitality
African Restaurant of the Year: Qunu at the Saxon Hotel in Steyn City
See the full list of 2026 Luxe Award Winners here.
A must-try experience: Qunu will host an exclusive culinary collaboration between the Fri, Mar 6 – Sun, Mar 8, welcoming Chef Dominique Minchelli of Paris’s Michelin-starred Le Duc to cook alongside Chef Scott as part of the launch of its new chef series, Tables of Terroir. Book now.
6. In the hot seat: Getting to know Fehmz
Fehmida “Fehmz” Jordaan, founder of Halaal Goods Market, turned her love of home cooking into a colourful digital presence. In 2025, she released her debut cookbook, Damn Good Food. "My cooking is just me – honest, experimental, and real," she says. As long-time fans, we caught up with Fehmz about her favourite food memories – and the dishes that didn’t make the cut.
7. Team Swoons: Vada pav, fillet, and froyo
– Shayona in Illovo's Thrupps Centre is an underrated spot for affordable vegeterian and vegan food that's really, really good. We've loved the dosas for a long time, but recently tried the vada pav: an Indian street food with deep-fried mashed potato and coriander chutney inside a soft, fluffy bread roll.
– The fillet porcini at Bottega Café on Parkhurst's 4th Avenue is so good, we have developed a regular craving for this dish. It doesn't harm the experience that Bottega has one of the best whisky selections in Joburg. Wednesdays through Sundays can get busy here, so make sure to book.
– Miss Wakaberry? The nostalgia lives on at Froyo, TotalEnergies Sandton Drive. Mixed berry still hits the spot, with tasty toppings, sauces, and friendly pricing.
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